Heavyweight: meaning, definitions and examples

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heavyweight

 

[ ˈhɛviˌweɪt ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

boxing category

Heavyweight refers to a weight class in boxing and other combat sports for the heaviest competitors. In boxing, heavyweights typically weigh over 200 pounds (90.72 kg). This category is known for featuring powerful fighters capable of delivering significant knockout punches. The heavyweight division has produced some of the most famous boxers in history, such as Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. A heavyweight can also metaphorically describe a person or thing of considerable impact or importance.

Synonyms

giant, heavy hitter, heavyweight boxer

Examples of usage

  • He won the heavyweight championship title.
  • The heavyweight fight was the main event.
  • Many boxing legends hail from the heavyweight division.
Context #2 | Adjective

significant weight

As an adjective, heavyweight describes something that is physically heavy or has substantial mass. It can apply to objects that are difficult to lift or carry due to their weight. Additionally, it can describe individuals or entities that hold significant influence or power in various fields. For instance, a heavyweight in the business world is a leading figure with considerable authority.

Synonyms

heavy, massive, weighty

Examples of usage

  • The heavyweight equipment required special transportation.
  • He's a heavyweight in the tech industry.
  • Their heavyweight presence was felt at the conference.

Translations

Translations of the word "heavyweight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peso pesado

🇮🇳 भारी वजन

🇩🇪 Schwergewicht

🇮🇩 berat

🇺🇦 важка вага

🇵🇱 ciężka waga

🇯🇵 ヘビー級

🇫🇷 poids lourd

🇪🇸 peso pesado

🇹🇷 ağır sıklet

🇰🇷 헤비급

🇸🇦 وزن ثقيل

🇨🇿 těžká váha

🇸🇰 ťažká váha

🇨🇳 重量级

🇸🇮 težka kategorija

🇮🇸 þungavigt

🇰🇿 ауыр салмақ

🇬🇪 მძიმე წონა

🇦🇿 ağır çəki

🇲🇽 peso pesado

Word origin

The term 'heavyweight' originated in the boxing genre in the late 19th century, referring specifically to boxers who surpassed a certain weight limit. The combination of 'heavy' and 'weight' signifies a measure of mass that qualifies athletes for competition in this category. Over time, it has broadened in usage beyond boxing, becoming a metaphorical term in various contexts, including business and politics, to denote individuals or entities of substantial influence or capability. The heavyweight division in boxing has been pivotal in shaping the sport's popularity, producing legendary champions and thrilling matchups. Its historical significance has led to the term being recognized in mainstream culture, often employed to describe those who exert considerable power or presence in any arena.